Issy Karp

By Julia Weeden

Despite being more than 15 hours away from her hometown, a Mississippi State University senior found a home away from home through campus involvement and leadership.

Issy Karp, a psychology major from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, did not let the distance from her home prevent her from fully immersing herself in campus life at MSU. During her undergraduate career, Karp has served in numerous leadership roles, including Panhellenic vice president in 2024 and Panhellenic president in 2025, positions she never imagined holding.

“I was very hesitant about going through recruitment,” Karp said. “But I wanted to have a community here, so I did it and I loved it.”

During her freshman year, Karp joined New Maroon Camp, MSU’s student-led retreat that prepares first-year students for the transition to campus and the Student Association, MSU’s student government organization. Because of her involvement in multiple student organizations, she initially did not see herself pursuing a leadership position in Panhellenic. However, encouragement from Lauryn Jones, the 2023 Zeta Tau Alpha chapter president, gave Karp her confidence to step outside her comfort zone and run for Panhellenic vice president, a position she was elected to in October 2023, and then president the following year.

“Serving as Panhellenic vice president and president has given me so much insight,” Karp said. “It has not only prepared me for a future career, but it has also helped me grow and shaped me as a person. I’ve learned so much about leadership and the type of leader I want to be.”

Karp said the biggest takeaway from her Panhellenic leadership was how she wanted to be remembered — not just for successful recruitment seasons or productive school years, but for the way she made people feel. She focused on building a strong sense of community within the Panhellenic Executive Council and across the Panhellenic community at MSU.

Beyond Panhellenic leadership, Karp shared her experience with prospective Bulldogs as a 2024 Orientation Leader and now as a Roadrunner, a campus tour guide for prospective students.

“Being an orientation leader was the most informative experience I have ever had,” Karp said. “It gave me so much confidence that I could have never imagined myself having.” These experiences helped her gain confidence and opened the doors to other resume-building opportunities within undergraduate admissions.

Karp credits her campus involvement and growth to the MSU Division of Student Affairs and its commitment to creating transformative experiences that foster student well-being and belonging.

“I really took a leap of faith coming here, and I knew getting involved was how I was going to make my four years here memorable,” Karp said. “I never imagined being involved with as many things as I am now, and I would not have found my people if it weren't for student affairs.” 

For students who might feel hesitant about getting involved on campus, Karp encourages students to “make campus their oyster” and find ways to get involved.

“When you love the university, you are going to get so much more out of it,” Karp said. 

While Karp will graduate in May, she plans to stay in Starkville and begin a master’s degree in business administration this summer.